An Important Message for the Tufts Community [HyunJae Kim, Class of 2016]

May 9, 2015

Dear Members of the Medford/Somerville Campus Community,

We are deeply saddened to report the unexpected passing this morning of undergraduate student HyunJae Kim, a member of the School of Engineering Class of 2016.

HyunJae came to Tufts from Seoul, South Korea, and was majoring in Biomedical Engineering. Our deepest sympathies are with his family, and we will be seeking to respect the family’s wishes and guidance over the coming days. We also offer our sincere condolences to HyunJae’s friends, faculty members, and others close to him.

We understand that this loss comes as many students are on their way home and to summer plans. Those on campus can continue to reach out to campus resources for support, including the University Chaplaincy, Counseling Services, and the Dean of Student Affairs Office during regular hours this week or during weekends and evenings through the on-call system by calling TUPD at 617-627-3030. Those away from campus can also contact our on-call support resources in addition to seeking support in their local areas.

The University Chaplaincy is available to provide support for students, faculty, and staff grieving this loss and would be honored to assist with a campus remembrance in the future. Those interested may contact our University Chaplain, the Reverend Greg McGonigle, to stay informed or to be involved by emailing The University Chaplaincy is available to provide support for students, faculty, and staff grieving this loss and would be honored to assist with a campus remembrance in the future. Those interested may contact our University Chaplain, the Reverend Greg McGonigle, to stay informed or to be involved by emailing chaplaincy@tufts.edu.

We encourage you to reach out to any resources that may be helpful to you in the coming days. Thank you for joining us as we extend our deep compassion to the Kim family.

Sincerely yours,

Anthony P. Monaco, President
James M. Glaser, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences
Linda Abriola, Dean of the School of Engineering
Mary Pat McMahon, Dean of Student Affairs
The Reverend Greg McGonigle, University Chaplain

For Students:

For anyone who may need support over the weekend or in the evening, there is always a counselor, chaplain, and administrator on call who can be contacted through TUPD at 617-627-3030.

The University Chaplaincy Office in Goddard Chapel is open weekdays from 9:00am-5:00pm, and the chaplains may be contacted for pastoral care appointments by calling 617-627-3427.

The Counseling and Mental Health Service is open for regular appointments weekdays from 9:00am-5:00pm by calling 617-627-3360.

Staff in the AS&E Student Affairs office and the Group of Six centers are generally available for support weekdays from 9:00am-5:00pm or by appointment by calling 617-627-3158.